As I was reading and searching through the online resources, I searched the "American Indian Issues, an introductory and curricular guide for educators." From there a title called " Indian Mascots, Symbols, and Names in Sports: a Brief History of the Controversy" caught my attention. As a big sports guy and specifically football, the controversy and push to remove the Washington Redskin name last year was a unique experience to watch unfold. As you know the name was not changed and many Natives still protest this mascot and name. What interested me the most was the article above, now I'm a Caucasian male and don't fir into any of the cartoons displayed above. But it really put into perspective how Natives feel about their race being on display in a cartoon like fashion that is far fetched and not very accurate. I was actually stunned when I seen the photo, up to this point I would have never taken a second look at the Cleveland Indians or Florida Seminoles as a disgraceful act. We discussed a little bit last blog about Native names being used in towns and on street signs to keep the heritage and history or the Iroquois that originated from New York and New England. Although put in a cartoon that is exaggerated creates a whole new world. I was also surprised to learn that Native groups have been trying to remove these mascots since 1968, the first time I have ever heard of such a protest on this subject was last years. I have to admit... poking fun at myself the Cleveland Caucuses actually has a nice ring to it but I know I would be offended by the cartoon that would follow.
I know what you mean! We just had an issue with a local high school and the community around it regarding the changing of their mascot from an Chief with a Feather head dress on. I was frankly disappointed by the negative feedback and I had the chance to see some true colors come out people that I didn't expect. hat is it with these fans, is a game really more important than respecting a culture?
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote about the Washington Redskins dilemma for my last reflexive assignment. I first learned about the desire to rename the team when my significant other was reading a Scholastic News with our oldest daughter. I was happy to see that this magazine for children is actually exploring the Native American culture and how Native Americans feel in regards to various topics from their very own perspective and not from the perspective of the white man. In addition to this article, an article in an October issue dealt with how some cities in America are no longer celebrating Columbus Day as Columbus Day, but instead it is celebrated as a day that honors Native American culture.
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